Brian Jensen, MD, assistant professor of medicine and pharmacology, delivered the 2017 Whitehead Lecture. The event, which serves as an unofficial convocation of the UNC School of Medicine, has been held annually since 1947.

Brian Jensen, MD, offered reflections on patience during the 2017 Whitehead Lecture. Jensen, a UNC School of Medicine graduate, said he was "deeply honored" to be selected as this year’s Whitehead Lecturer.

During his speech, “Patience is a Prickly Virtue: Playing the Long Game in the Instagram Age,” Jensen examined the respective etymologies of patient, both the adjective and noun forms. Discussing the concept of Patient-Centered Care, Jensen encouraged the crowd to practice “Patience-Centered Care.”

“Be patient with each other, be patient with us, but above all, be patient with yourselves,” Jensen said.

Following his talk, Jensen was honored with the The Hyman Battle Distinguished Excellence in Teaching Award in the Foundation Phase.